It produces a distinctively high-pitched, metallic tone that breaks into a cymbal-like crashing timbre when struck forcefully.

It is particularly important in samul nori and pungmul, although it is also used in other genres such as Korean shamanic music.

[1][2] This gong is struck with a wooden mallet to produce a sharp, attention commanding sound.

In Nongak, the person who beats a kkwaenggwari is called Sangsoe (상쇠) or Busoe (부쇠).

The stick of the kkwaenggwari is generally made of hard wood, such as that of trifoliate trees.